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Christmas Campaign Against Drink and Drug Driving

“You should be under no illusion if you get behind the wheel whilst under the influence you not only risk your licence, get a fine or prison sentence, but you are risking lives too” – that is the message being driven by the Welsh Police Forces as they prepare to launch their Christmas Anti Drink and Drug Drive Campaign.

The month-long operation against driving under the influence begins on Friday, 1 December and police forces across the country will be using intelligence-led tactics and local knowledge of hotspots to detect people who are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol over the festive period.

North Wales Police will lead the all Wales campaign and will be using social media to drive home the message the impact of drink and drug driving.

For the first time officers from the North Wales Police, Roads Policing Unit have given their own accounts of what it is like to deal with the aftermath of a collision involving a drink or drug driver and these will be used via social media every day throughout the campaign using the hashtags #ChooseWisely and #Fatal5.

Superintendent Jane Banham from North Wales Police’ Roads Policing Unit said: “Once again our campaign will be heavily focussed around preventing drink or drug driving to stop those who are risking their lives and the lives of innocent road users.

“All four Welsh forces are fully committed to helping make the roads safer for all and will continue to target those who endanger their own lives and the lives of others. Don’t drive under the influence of drink or drugs - even a very small amount of drugs or alcohol can affect your ability to drive safely Don’t let your friends and family pay the price.”

Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates said:

"Every time anyone gets behind the wheel having had a drink, even one, the chances of an accident increase.

“The coming weeks will see people from across Wales celebrate Christmas and I’d like to reiterate how imperative it is that everything possible is done to keep us all safe on our roads.

“Whilst I’d like to thank our heroic Police, Fire and Rescue and Ambulance service who so often have to deal first hand with the preventable consequences of drink driving, I hope to see the Welsh public planning ahead and acting responsibly this Christmas to ensure that they do not put themselves, and others, in unnecessary danger.”

During the 2016 campaign Police Forces in Wales administered 18,408 breath tests of which 478 were positive, failed or refused and there were 106 positive drug wipe tests.

Susan Storch, Chair of Road Safety Wales said: “Raising awareness of the devastating impact and consequences of driving under the influence of drink or drugs is a year-round role for all partners in Road Safety Wales. At this time of year it is vitally important that drivers and riders put safety, common sense, and the law first. Road Safety Wales is urging the public to have a zero tolerance to drink and drug driving and to report anyone who is breaking the law and putting lives at risk to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the Police on 101 (or 999 if they are posing an imminent danger).”